Killorglin knows how to celebrate, and this year we welcomed a new festival into the mix — An Féile Eile, our take on a Samhain celebration. With my background in both photography and being part of the community through events like K-FEST, I was thrilled to be asked as the official photographer to document this first-of-its-kind festival in Killorglin.
Samhain, if you’re not familiar, is where Halloween draws its roots, an ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest and the shift into winter. An Féile Eile organisers — Aoife McBride, Fiola Foley, and Lisa Sandow — took these themes to heart, creating a week-long experience steeped in folklore, storytelling, and community spirit. Supported by the Killorglin Chamber Alliance and local volunteers, the festival brought out the best of Killorglin’s creative and cultural side.
Photographing the Launch Night at Grilse Gallery
The festival opened with the unveiling of a hare effigy down by the River Laune. Hares hold a special place in Irish mythology, often linked to the Otherworld and thought to be shape-shifters. This effigy, crafted from natural materials, included a small house at its base where people could write messages to their ancestors. As the photographer, I aimed to capture not only the hare but the atmosphere of the crowd interacting with it, a blend of curiosity and reverence. And in attendance was actor John C. Reilly, who added an unexpected bit of Hollywood charm to the night — I made sure to capture that, too.
Documenting the Effigy Burning on Halloween Night
Halloween night, or Samhain itself, brought a unique sense of ceremony. The effigy, filled with the messages visitors had written, was processed down by the riverbank in a procession led by keening women. Once in place, the hare was set alight, symbolising those messages being carried to the Otherworld. The mix of fire, river, and the gathering crowd created a scene that was both powerful and moving. Through photography, I aimed to capture that mixture of reflection, tradition, and warmth that filled the night.
Eddie Lenihan’s Storytelling at Sheila Buí’s
One of the highlights for the community was a storytelling session by Eddie Lenihan, Ireland’s legendary seanchaí. Eddie’s style draws listeners into tales of fairies and other Irish folklore, making you feel as if the Other Crowd is just around the corner. Local storyteller Seán O’Laoghaire opened for Eddie, setting the mood perfectly. Photographing this event meant capturing expressions — the awe on faces in the audience, Eddie’s intensity as he told his tales, and the intimacy of the candle-lit setting. It was a great reminder of why oral traditions remain so strong in Ireland.
Interactive Storytelling for Kids
An Féile Eile made sure to include family-friendly events, including an interactive storytelling session for kids, led by actor Seán McGillicuddy. Dressed in costumes, the children listened to Samhain tales and shared their own ghost stories. Photographing this event was a fun change of pace, capturing costumes and young faces lit up with excitement. It showed the festival’s commitment to making Samhain accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Fermentation Workshop with Savage Craic
One of the more unique sessions of the festival, the fermentation workshop with Savage Craic, offered an unconventional look at Samhain traditions. The workshop explored fermentation as a “radical queer act,” combining hands-on education with a bit of creativity. Medicinal mocktails and fungi-powered synth music set the atmosphere, and as the photographer, I focused on capturing the unique details — from the earthy mocktails to the reactions on participants’ faces. This was no ordinary workshop, and it added a modern, inclusive twist to the festival’s line-up.
The Divil’s Disco at 10 Bridge Street
To wrap things up, An Féile Eile hosted a Halloween costume ball for adults at 10 Bridge Street, aptly named the Divil’s Disco. This event was a chance for grown-ups to dress up and let loose, celebrating Samhain with costumes, cocktails, and music. The venue was packed with people embracing their creativity through elaborate costumes, and the lively energy made for some memorable photos. Capturing this event meant highlighting the joy and excitement of the crowd, making it a fitting end to a festival that celebrated all things mystical and otherworldly.
A First of Many Celebrations
Photographing An Féile Eile was a fantastic opportunity to capture the heart and soul of Killorglin’s newest festival. Events like these show just how important it is to document not just the big moments but the subtle, meaningful details that bring a story to life. From community gatherings to intimate workshops and lively celebrations, each part of this festival had its own character, and I focused on showcasing that uniqueness through my photography.
If you’re organising an event, big or small, and want it captured in a way that tells its story, get in touch. I specialise in bringing out the personality of every event, whether it’s a community festival, corporate gathering, or private celebration. Beyond events, I also offer photography for businesses, products, and personal projects, all with an approach tailored to make each image speak to its audience.
Let’s work together to make your next event or project unforgettable.
